The holiday island of CRETE or KRITI has two things that distinguish it from other Greek islands - magnificent mountains and a remarkably rich history. Crete is the fifth largest island in the Mediterranean, with a population mainly confined to the north coast by the huge mountain ranges that make up the backbone of this long, slender island.
Much of eastern Crete is now lost to package tourism - a nightmare of neon and happy hours bars. West Crete, however, has magnificent mountains, more rugged coastline and less crowded beaches.
The long, cloud-free summers and the pleasantly warm, mild winters ensure that Crete holidays attract holiday visitors throughout the year. Those heading inland will find monumental mountains, an abundant archaeological heritage and some spine-tingling scenery.
Those looking for a Crete beach holiday will find plenty to choose from with luxury hotels in Crete a firm favourite. Beaches vary from quiet, deserted coves with a beach cantina to long swathes of golden sand packed with sunbeds and backed by hotels offering watersports galore.
Western Crete is a wonderful area to purchase timeshare in if you are searching for vacation property on the island. In short Crete holidays have just about everything for everyone, while the locals have a well justified reputation for friendliness to foreigners.
Major holiday resorts are confined to Crete's northern shore, clustered around the cities of Chania and Rethymnon, and linked by Crete's main arterial road that runs east to west. Wise travellers will want to check out Crete hotel reviews before making their choice.
To the far west of Crete are wild, deserted beach coves, many of breathtaking beauty and to the south, over the magnificent White Mountain of Crete, are more sedate resorts.
Inland Crete is less well known because of the mountain barriers . However, roads have improved in recent years and hillside villages now enjoy an annual influx of holiday visitors.
Small islands close to Crete include Gavdos, the most southerly inhabited island in Europe. Many islands are popular targets for day cruises and, to the north are the Cyclades,with Santorini the nearest.
West Crete has a charter airport near Chania and a domestic airport at Rethymno with daily flights to Athens and Rhodes.
Daily ferries link Crete to Piraeus (Athens) and most Cyclades islands including Santorini. More routes link Crete to mainland Peloponnese and daily boats serve many south coast resorts.
The main north coast highway runs east-west and mountain roads give easy access to Crete's south coast.
The biggest beaches are on Crete's northern shores, particularly to the west of the capital Chania. To the east of Chania is a string of smaller, sandy coves.
West coast beaches may be wild and remote but their great beauty attracts many day trippers throughout the year.
Crete's south shore resorts are fewer and less developed but they are less crowded and they enjoy the best of the weather as well as a longer season.
Crete is the largest Greek island at 250km long and it has three mountain ranges cover two thirds of its surface.
Crete has an estimated 13 million olive trees. Other staple crops include grapes, potatoes, cereals, tomatoes and citrus fruits.
High temperatures and guaranteed summer sunshine are a given while Crete also boasts magnificent mountain scenery and 1,500 varieties of wild flowers, including 20 species of orchid.
